Mansion's 'cross' didn't help banker's tax case

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-22-jul22,0,1308512.column

One of the most artful property-tax tricks in the history of Illinois -- a sham of near biblical proportions -- has finally been exorcised.

This is the story of Chicago banker George Michael, who lives in a gorgeous $3 million mansion in Lake Bluff. Being a man of logic and finance, he didn't much like his $80,000 yearly property-tax bill.

So he found an Internet outfit called the Church of Spiritual Humanism. According to the church's Web site, it's not big on faith, but it's all about reason:

"If you agree that Religion must be based on Reason, you can be ordained right now for free, and be still able to practice your own religious traditions by simply clicking the button below:

"ORDAIN ME."

And lo, Michael clicked "Ordain Me," and it was done.



A photo submitted by George Michael to the Illinois Department of Revenue depicting a cross on the outside of his Lake Bluff mansion. He later admitted under oath that he drew the cross on the photo with a magic marker. (Image courtesy Village of Lake Bluff / July 21, 2009)

[Vickers]

1. I don't see a lot of diference between his house and mega-churches.

:shrug:

"ORDAIN ME"

:rofl:

[Sal Minella]

2. *click*

[Buzz Clik]

3. Damn. They should have made him do a card trick or hold his breath for 60 seconds or something.

[rrneck]

4. S.O.P. nt

[nykym]

5. Hmmmmm!

I once preformed a mock marriage dressed as a friar for a couple of friends to appease their children worries of "Living in Sin". Had a blast at the reception, apparently most people thought I was for real. Afterward I thought it would be a kinda cool to get ordained.

[ellie]

6. My brother lives

in Lake Bluff. I never heard of the place until he moved there